What is the mechanism of action for ribavirin?

Mechanisms of action It is a guanosine (ribonucleic) analog used to stop viral RNA synthesis and viral mRNA capping, thus, it is a nucleoside inhibitor. Ribavirin is a prodrug, which when metabolized resembles purine RNA nucleotides. In this form, it interferes with RNA metabolism required for viral replication.

What symptoms does ribavirin treat?

Ribavirin is used in combination with injectable interferon alfa-2b, peginterferon alfa-2a, or peginterferon alfa-2b to treat chronic hepatitis C infection. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Can ribavirin be used to treat influenza?

A loading dose and short-term administration of oral ribavirin significantly improved symptoms and signs of influenza type A or B infection in 25 patients. The antiviral effect was not significant. No adverse clinical effects or significant laboratory values were observed.

Is ribavirin a direct-acting antiviral?

Ribavirin revisited in the era of direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus infection.

How does ribavirin work for Lassa fever?

Abstract. Ribavirin is a broad spectrum antiviral which inhibits Lassa virus (LASV) replication in vitro but exhibits a minor effect on viremia in vivo. However, ribavirin significantly improves the disease outcome when administered in combination with sub-optimal doses of favipiravir, a strong antiviral drug.

What are the benefits of ribavirin?

Ribavirin is used in combination with other antiviral medications (such as interferon, sofosbuvir) to treat chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver. Chronic hepatitis C infection can cause serious liver problems such as scarring (cirrhosis), or liver cancer.

Is ribavirin a direct acting antiviral?

Which part of the influenza virion is targeted by drugs such as oseltamivir?

Current influenza drugs target only two proteins, and both are viral gene products: the M2 ion channel (the target of amantadine (Symmetrel) and its derivative rimantadine) and neuraminidase (the target of zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu)).

How is ribavirin administered to treat severe cases of respiratory syncytial virus?

Ribavirin can be administered intravenously, orally, and by aerosolization. It has often been given in combination with IV immunoglobulin (IVIG). As an aerosol, ribavirin given in experimental RSV infection was first described in 1972,26 and then studied in young adults27 and later in infants with severe RSV infection.